News Releases 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 21, 2007

MEDIA CONTACTS

Mollie Hammar, PR Director, mhammar@wsfb.com, (360) 561.6663   

Dan Fazio, Director of Employer Services, dfazio@wsfb.com, (360) 951.8641

Washington Farm Bureau Condemns Flagrant Disregard of Taxpayers' Rights

LACEY - When the Legislature violated I-601 by exceeding spending limits in 2005, Washington Farm Bureau filed a lawsuit to preserve voter-approved restrictions on new taxes and higher government spending. Meanwhile, the Legislature fixed the violation in 2006 by enacting higher spending limits, retroactively blessing its own violation of the law. In a move that defies all common sense, the Supreme Court ruled today to uphold the actions of the Legislature that directly defied the will of the voting public.

"This Supreme Court ruling puts the Legislature above the law," said Steve Appel, president of Washington Farm Bureau. "Last time I checked, legislators were elected to serve the people and the people have said repeatedly, in no uncertain terms, ‘stop spending so much of our money!'"

In one month, the state Supreme Court has thrown out voter-approved limits on property tax increases and allowed the legislature and governor to violate voter-approved limits on tax and spending increases. 

Today's ruling again demonstrates the court's disdain for the initiative process and its zeal to put its will, or that of the government, ahead of the will of the people. This ruling says that the legislature and governor can continue to circumvent tax and spending limits by creating elaborate shell games.

In 1993, the voters approved Initiative 601, which required a two-thirds vote by both houses of the legislature to raise taxes. The initiative also limited the annual growth in government spending based on inflation and population growth.

In April of 2005, on party-line votes, the Democrat-controlled legislature forced through SB 6078, allowing lawmakers to raises taxes with a simple majority vote. Gov. Christine Gregoire signed the bill into law, enabling the legislature to increase spending by several hundred million dollars more than allowed under I-601.

I-960, passed this year by the voters, strengthens what was previously stated in I-601. However, given the past violations of the legislature regarding this type of initiative, it appears that the only solution may be a constitutional amendment.

Washington Farm Bureau is a 35,000-member advocacy organization representing family farmers and ranchers across the state. For more information about the Washington Farm Bureau go to http://www.wsfb.com/ or call 1.800.331.3276.  To view the complete Supreme Court ruling and opinion visit www.courts.wa.gov/opinions.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 16, 2007
MEDIA CONTACTS

Patrick Batts, CEO, patbatts@wsfb.com, (360) 357.9975 ext. 113
Mollie Hammar, PR Director, mhammar@wsfb.com, (360) 528.2915

Washington Farmers Re-elect Steve Appel to Lead Farm Bureau

SPOKANE - Voting delegates at the Washington Farm Bureau (WFB) annual meeting this week elected Steve Appel, a wheat and barley grower from Whitman County, to lead them into 2008. Appel has served as WFB president since November 1994.

A third-generation farmer, Appel also serves as vice president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, the nation's largest general farm organization with more than 6 million members. Appel is a graduate of Washington State University.

Britt Dudek, an apple and cherry grower from Wenatchee was elected to serve a second term as vice president for legislation. In this role, Dudek oversees the organization's legislative efforts and activities. Dudek, who has been active in Farm Bureau since 1994, is a graduate of the University of Washington with a bachelor's of science degree in mechanical engineering.

Delegates elected Dean Farrens to a ninth term as second vice president, responsible for overseeing the organization's policy development process. Farrens manages a 1,500-acre family-owned farm in Walla Walla County, growing wheat and dry peas. A graduate of Washington State University with a degree in history and education, he taught school in Prosser and Walla Walla before turning to farming full-time in 1974.

Held at the Spokane Convention Center, 329 attendees, including 223 voting delegates, represented 25 counties at the 88th WFB Annual Meeting. In addition to electing officers, the delegate body voted on changes surrounding the Shorelines Management Act, eminent domain, and climate change policy. The board of directors adopted the framework for the Farm Bureau's 2008 public policy agenda, which outlines WFB's legislative priorities. The public policy agenda will be available for download from the WFB website (http://www.wsfb.com/) at the first of the year.

Washington Farm Bureau is a 35,000-member advocacy organization representing family farmers and ranchers across the state.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 16, 2007
MEDIA CONTACTS

Patrick Batts, CEO, patbatts@wsfb.com, (360) 357.9975 ext. 113
Mollie Hammar, PR Director, mhammar@wsfb.com, (360) 528.2915

Washington Farm Bureau Honors Legislators of the Year

SPOKANE - Senator Jim Honeyford 15th District, Sunnyside, Representative Cary Condotta, 12th District, East Wenatchee and Representative Joel Kretz, 7th District, Wauconda were each named "Legislator of the Year" at the Washington Farm Bureau (WFB) annual meeting this week.

WFB's board of directors awards one or more state legislators with the honor of being the organization's Legislator of the Year. A legislator's vote record and outstanding actions to help strengthen family farms are key criteria for receiving this award.

All three were chosen for their tireless efforts to protect the interests of farmers and ranchers throughout Washington state. These legislators didn't hesitate to take on the difficult issues impacting agriculture in our state, often amidst heated debates.

Washington Farm Bureau is a 35,000-member advocacy organization representing family farmers and ranchers across the state.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 13, 2007

MEDIA CONTACTS

Mollie Hammar, PR Director, (360) 528.2915
Dan Wood, Local Affairs Director, (360) 528.2909 or (360) 870.6018

Washington Farm Bureau Applauds Supreme Court Ruling in Favor of Agriculture

LACEY – The Washington Farm Bureau (WFB) applauds the State Supreme Court for its 8-1 decision today, which upheld growth hearings board rulings declaring that Skagit County could consider the impacts on agriculture in its critical areas ordinance.

In essence, this ruling provided two important clarifications. First, mandatory buffers are not required by the Growth Management Act (GMA) and second, the requirement to “protect” environmental conditions does not mean “enhancement” of those conditions.

“We’re very glad to see that the court finally recognizes the need for balance in the GMA,” said Washington Farm Bureau President Steve Appel. “Among the GMA goals are a healthy agricultural economy, protection of private property rights, and a thriving overall economy. This ruling makes it clear that local governments can consider all of the goals and concerns and then make decisions that make sense for their communities.”

The court held that the county’s requirement to avoid any new harm to critical areas meets the requirement to protect critical areas.

In the near-unanimous majority opinion, written by Chief Justice Gerry Alexander, the court declared the GMA “does not require the county to establish mandatory riparian buffers.” Buffers are strips of land that are generally restricted from productive uses. Proposed GMA buffers have been as large as 450 feet in some areas. In the case of one 900 acre farm (one acre is about the size of a football field), if a buffer of 200 feet had been imposed, the farmer would have lost 61 acres of usable land. Even smaller buffers could put farms out of business, depending on ground conditions.

The court noted that agricultural uses and infrastructure are as much as 100 years old in some areas. “A requirement to develop buffers would impose an obligation on farmers to replant areas that were lawfully cleared in the past, which is the equivalent of enhancement. Without a duty to enhance being imposed by the GMA, we cannot require farmers…to replant what was long ago plucked up. The county need not impose a requirement that farmers establish riparian buffers.”

The court used the analogy that protecting a friend’s dilapidated car does not require one to also refurbish the car before returning it.

The court noted that the GMA’s “goals are not listed in order of priority” and should guide the development of local plans. Local governments must consider “best available science,” but may depart from scientific ideals when balancing the goals of the GMA, the court held.

Under the GMA, said the court, “counties and cities have broad discretion in developing regulations tailored to local circumstances.”

“Mandatory buffers would have done in our farms and turned them into more development. If you want to save farmland, you need to let farmers use their land,” said Ron Wesen, president of Skagit County Farm Bureau. “This ruling makes it easier to consider what is truly needed by local agriculture. I want to thank the Skagit County commissioners for protecting our farms.”

“Washington Farm Bureau is committed to working with local government, tribes, and environmental advocates to find truly voluntary programs that will benefit agriculture and the environment,” said Appel. “Passing more regulations that drive farms out of business is the wrong approach. This ruling shows we are on the right track with the voluntary approach and seeking a balance that will allow our farms to survive across the state.”

Washington Farm Bureau and other agricultural organizations are participating in GMA-related discussions at the Ruckelshaus Center , a policy resolution center jointly operated by WSU and U of W. Washington Farm Bureau is a 35,000-member advocacy organization representing family farmers and ranchers across the state. For more information about the Washington Farm Bureau go to http://www.wsfb.com/ or call 1.800.331.3276. To view the complete Supreme Court ruling and opinion visit http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2007

MEDIA CONTACTS

Mollie Hammar, PR Director, mhammar@wsfb.com, (360) 528.2915Patrick Connor, National Affairs Director, pconnor@wsfb.com, (360) 528.2910

Washington Farm Bureau Lauds House Farm Bill Proposal (HR 2419)
LACEY -- The Washington Farm Bureau (WFB) commends the House Agriculture Committee for passing Chairman Collin Peterson’s farm bill proposal. The committee bill is a balanced proposal that addresses the needs of a broader core of U.S. farmers, expanding benefits to literally all sectors of agriculture.

“This is the first time we’ve seen a Farm Bill allocate such significant funding — $1.6 billion — to fruit and vegetable producers in areas critical to their operations,” said WFB President Steve Appel. “In the short- and long-term, this translates into substantial benefits to Washington’s farmers who produce many of the fruit and vegetable crops that feed our nation and the world.”

By better balancing support between all types of crops, the bill encourages farmers to plant for the market, not for the benefit of government programs. This is critical at a time when meeting changing demand for farm products for various uses, such as biofuels, will depend on producer flexibility.

The committee bill makes several significant reforms in farm programs that address increasingly broad needs. The bill’s nutrition and conservation titles are the best funded in farm bill history. It also has a strong energy title, with $2.5 billion in additional funding.

Farm Bureau will continue to work with House leadership as the bill moves to the floor later this week for debate.

Important highlights of the Farm Bill (H.R. 2419) include:

Investing more than $1.6 billion in priorities to strengthen and support the fruit and vegetable industry in the United States. A new section for Horticulture and Organic Agriculture includes nutrition, research, pest management and trade promotion programs.

Providing farmers participating in commodity programs with a choice between traditional price protection and new market-oriented revenue coverage payments.

Rebalancing loan rates and target prices among commodities, achieving greater regional equity.

Cutting federal payment rates to crop insurance companies that are making record profits due to higher crop prices and re-investing those dollars in important conservation and safety net programs.

Extending and making significant new investments in popular conservation programs, including the Conservation Reserve Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, Environmental Quality Incentive Program, Farm and Ranchland Protection Program, and many others.

Expanding the USDA Snack Program, which helps schools provide healthy snacks to students during after-school activities to all 50 states and continuing the DOD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, which provides a variety of fresh produce to schools.

Strengthening and enhancing the food stamp program by reforming benefit rules to improve coverage of food costs and expand access to the program with additional funding support.

Including key provisions that invest in rural communities nationwide, including economic development programs and access to broadband telecommunication services.

Establishing a new National Agriculture Research Program Office to coordinate the programs and activities of USDA’s research agencies to minimize duplication and maximize coordination at all levels and creates a competitive grants program.

Protecting and sustaining our nation’s forest resources.

Making important new investments in renewable energy research, development and production in rural America.

Copies of the bill considered by the Committee and the amendments that were adopted are available on the Committee’s website at: http://agriculture.house.gov/inside/2007FarmBill.html.

The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the Farm Bill before the end of July. WFB urges the Washington Congressional delegation to support this important legislation.

Washington Farm Bureau is a 35,000-member advocacy organization representing family farmers and ranchers across the state. For more information about the Washington Farm Bureau go to http://www.wsfb.com/ or call 1.800.331.3276.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2007

MEDIA CONTACTS

Mollie Hammar , PR Director, mhammar@wsfb.com, (360) 528.2915Dan Fazio , Employer Services Director, dfazio@wsfb.com, (360) 951.8641

L&I Heat Stress proposal based on hot air, not facts
OLYMPIA -- The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has announced it will implement a new emergency heat stress rule for employers, despite the fact no data exists to support the need for a new rule. According to the Washington Farm Bureau (WFB), this emergency heat stress rule will impose an undue burden on agricultural employers in Washington state.

Washington already has stringent rules designed to protect workers, which is one reason it is unclear why L&I is proposing a new standard and especially why it would be declared an emergency.

While L&I contends that heat-stress related injuries necessitate an “emergency” rule, data proves otherwise. According to data obtained from L&I, industrial insurance claims related to heat stress filed during the last ten years are infinitesimal at best.

Last year’s proposed heat stress rule, which included many of the same requirements mandated in L&I’s currently proposed rule, did not gain any ground. In fact, on April 19, 2006 Steve Cant, in his capacity as the assistant director for the Division of Occupational Safety and Health at L&I, stated, “We looked at the possibility of a new rule, but after fully reviewing our existing rules and all the input from business, labor and worker advocates, we concluded that the best approach was to ensure we have effective enforcement tools for worker protection at the least burden and expense to those we regulate.”

What has changed? Why the new rule now?

By declaring the rule an emergency, the agency can circumvent the public review process and issuance of small business impact statements. Apparently the “sudden, unexpected” onset of summer is the emergency.

“When the agency brought the matter to our attention last year, we worked with them to develop and implement procedures and training plans to address potential heat stress dangers,” said WFB Director of Employer Services, Dan Fazio . “We will continue to work with the agency; however, the adoption of this rule, especially as an emergency, is a huge step backward in the cooperative process.”

In unfortunate -- and extraordinarily rare -- cases where workers have suffered from heat-related illnesses at work, L&I investigations have found employers to be in violation of at least one of the regulations already in place. As such, a more appropriate approach would be better enforcement of current laws – not new ones.

Current WAC sections already provide common-sense rules for maintaining an adequate water supply and other controls for protecting workers at outdoor work sites. The newly proposed heat stress rule only adds an unnecessary bureaucratic layer of duplicative regulations.

The decision to adopt the rule as an “emergency” is a disingenuous attempt to circumvent public notice requirements. The public’s interest is best served by input from all affected parties and Farm Bureau urges the governor’s repeal of this rule.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2007

MEDIA CONTACTS

Mollie Hammar, PR Director, mhammar@wsfb.com, (360) 528.2915Linda Harvey , Retro/Safety Director, lharvey@wsfb.com, (360) 528.2914

Washington Farm Bureau Launches New Retro Safety Program

LACEY -- The Washington Farm Bureau (WFB) has announced a new program to enable agriculture-related businesses to earn refunds on their costly worker’s compensation insurance premiums.

The program, known as a retrospective rating program, enables businesses that have made a commitment to a safe workplace to earn a refund when the cost of claims is less than the premium paid.

The new program, Farm Bureau AgriBusiness Retro/Safety, will serve the organization’s members who have businesses that are an important part of the state’s agricultural economy.

Washington Farm Bureau will now operate two retro programs. “Farm Bureau Classic Retro/Safety serves farmers and ranchers, while our new program, Farm Bureau AgriBusiness Retro/Safety, will serve those businesses related to production agriculture,” explained WFB President Steve Appel .

Examples of businesses which are eligible for the new AgriBusiness Retro/Safety include food manufacturers, food processors, wholesale and retail businesses, bakeries, canning operations, packing facilities, meat, poultry, and fish dealers and similar businesses. A complete list of the types of businesses that are eligible for the new program can be viewed at www.wsfb.com/fbretro.

“Our members range in size from traditional mom and pop operations that can fruits and vegetables for roadside markets to larger, multi-generational family-owned businesses with state-of the-art facilities,” said Mr. Appel.

Enrollment forms are being distributed now and should be submitted by June 1 to guarantee enrollment by July 1. Quarterly enrollments are available if the annual sign up is missed and should be submitted by the first of September or December this year, or March of 2008.

“Since the inception of our original program in 1984, we have earned refunds totaling $60 million that have gone back into the state’s rural economy. The program was very small for the first several years but it has grown to meet the changing needs of farm families,” said Mr. Appel.

Recently L&I changed the rules and limited Farm Bureau Retro/Safety to only farming and ranching operations. Although the existing agriculture-related businesses in the program were grandfathered in, Farm Bureau began looking for ways to serve members whose business operations are considered agriculture but don’t fall into the risk classes assigned to farming and ranching.

“We already have nearly 100 businesses lined up for the new program. We are now reaching out to our members who were denied enrollment in our original program, since many will be eligible for the new Farm Bureau AgriBusiness Retro/Safety program,” said Linda Harvey, Director of the Farm Bureau Retro Department. “We believe many of these rural businesses have been underserved by retro programs and we’re pleased to fill the gap.”

“In the past, many organizations have seen the success of Farm Bureau Retro/Safety and have tried to copy us. But we currently have the only retro programs serving farmers, ranchers and other agriculture-related businesses,” Harvey said.

For more information about Farm Bureau Retro/Safety programs, including risk classes, go to http://www.wsfb.com/fbretro/ or call Ms. Harvey at (360) 357-9975.

Washington Farm Bureau is a 35,000-member advocacy organization representing family farmers and ranchers across the state.

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